Novelty Playing Cards

According to The Hochman Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards, M.F. Milward was making playing cards in Chicago in the 1890s. This is believed to be the only design they ever produced, although it is known with two different Jokers (sadly lacking from this pack). The court cards bear a strong resemblance to those found in Dougherty’s Triplicate pack of 1878. Note especially the Queen of Hearts, who normally faces in the opposite direction, and the Jack of Spades, who looks particularly grumpy thanks to a strong mouth line. The simple back design in pale green is made up of dots and six-pointed asterisks.

Above: Novelty Playing Cards made by M.F. Milward, Chicago, USA, c1890. 52 cards. Size: 64 x 88 mm.

References

Dawson, Tom and Judy. The Hochman Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards. Stamford, CT, USA: U.S. Games Systems, Inc.; 2000. p.31, L28b.

Lodge, Ken. The Standard English Pattern. Second edition; 2010. p.191.